Ionia Summer in the City Celebration kicks off Thursday

Schmidt Amusements kicks off the Summer in the City Celebration in downtown Ionia at 2 p.m. Thursday.

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By Press release

Ionia Sentinel - Standard-Ionia, MI

By Press release

Posted Jun. 18, 2013 at 10:06 PM
Updated Jun 22, 2013 at 5:57 PM

By Press release

Posted Jun. 18, 2013 at 10:06 PM
Updated Jun 22, 2013 at 5:57 PM

IONIA, Mich.

Schmidt Amusements kicks off the Summer in the City Celebration in downtown Ionia at 2 p.m. Thursday.

The carnival continues Friday and Saturday with rides, food concessions and a good time for all. Single day, unlimited ride wristbands will be available on site.

Missy Millard promises to get everyone moving with an evening of Zumba for all ages at the Main Street Stage. Registration begins at 5:30 p.m. Friday at noon is the official grand opening of the festival and host to various vendors specializing in arts, crafts, shabby chic, antiques, children’s games and more.

The Main Street Stage opens at 1 p.m. with an afternoon of “DIY Workshops” and presentations. Praise Bands from area churches set the stage beginning at 7 p.m. and play until close. The John Ball Park Traveling Zoo visits the Ionia Theatre twice on Friday and Saturday compliments of Sterner Veterinary Clinic. These free admission presentations are for children of all ages when accompanied by an adult.

The family fun continues on Saturday starting at 10 a.m. Vendors line the street showcasing their wares, children’s games, face painting, and a full line up of free entertainment. John Ball Park Traveling Zoo returns to the Theatre with a new program and free admission.

Things get messy as the Bridal Cake Dive contestant drawing is scheduled for 10:10 a.m. and the search for the lucky key located in the cake begins at 10:30 a.m. All “brides-to-be” who have set their wedding date between Aug. 1, 2013 and June 1, 2014 are invited to register at area businesses throughout Ionia. Contact the DDA office for a complete listing of registration sites. It is free to enter and entrants have a chance to win over $1,500 in prizes.

A free presentation of the PG-13 rated movie “Bully” will begin at noon at the Theatre. Several guest speakers will provide a prelude to the documentary film – one you won’t want to miss.

We invite everyone to take a look back in time with a tour of vintage travel trailer displays placed along Main Street. A Soap Box Derby with the start line on Depot Street will provide great entertainment with races beginning at 2 p.m.

The Main Street Stage schedule proceeds at 1 p.m. with a magic show – one that children won’t soon forget.

Filmloom Band rocks the Main Street Stage starting at 2 p.m. followed by the Shannon Hughes Trio, the Kohkohs featuring Mindy and Rodney Hensley. The Thornapple Valley Strings Band closes out the night with fiddles, banjos and more.

Page 2 of 2 - For more information, visit www.ci.ionia.mi.us or contact the DDA office at 616-527-1420.